A charming wood netsuke sculpted as an articulated shishi mask with textured double-inlaid eyes. The fanciful netsuke is boldly carved to accentuate the bushy eyebrows, flared nostrils and hinged lower jaw, exposing both teeth and tongue. (Shishi (Buddhist lion) masks were used by shishimai dancers for a ritual dance performed on New Year’s day.)
Provenance: ex. Burbridge Collection. Netsuke is in very good condition.
Length: 1.5”, height: 1”
19th Century, Japan